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RANDALL MANOR, Staten Island — When Fire Lieutenant James Hayes was released from the hospital, there were cheers and applause for the 31-year-veteran who was shot twice by a suspected gang member while responding to a house fire.

"Everyone on the block is happy he is home," Tom Kosky, Hayes neighbor told PIX11. "I think he's a hero for what he did."

Neighbors of Lieutenant Hayes on Kissel Avenue say they are thrilled the 53-year-old married father of two was released from the hospital just a day after being shot by ex-con Garland Tyree during a standoff with U.S. Marshals and the NYPD.

"He went into a burning building and he got shot," Kosky said. "It's unheard of. A fireman hasn't been shot in line of duty in more than twenty years."

At Engine 158, fellow firefighters are looking forward to their lieutenant's return to work when he is ready, and so are neighbors of the fire house.

"He's such a nice, personable, helpful guy," Josephine Nicroli, firehouse neighbor, "I hope he comes back to work soon. He's a pleasure."